AN artillery museum may not be renowned for its friendly welcome but that's what is on offer at Fort Nelson where staff have recently completed the Southern Tourist Board's Welcome Host customer care training.

Fort Nelson marketing manager David Goodwin said the museum is the first in the Southampton and Portsmouth areas to also be awarded corporate status by the tourist board, indicating that more than half the staff have taken part in the one day training programme.

The course looks at how to make a good first impression, helps staff develop their communication skills and assess the true value of tourism to their organisation.

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